Strong gains across Asian markets are supporting China’s trade growth so far in 2026, offsetting weaker trade with the U.S. In January-August, Hong Kong (a re-export hub) surpassed the U.S. as China’s largest export destination, while shipments to South Korea, Malaysia and several other Asian markets grew strongly.

China’s export strength remains firmly rooted in manufacturing. Electrical machinery exports reached USD 638 billion (+43% YoY), while computers (+48%) and vehicles (+33%) were among the fastest-growing major categories. On the import side, South Korea and Taiwan led China’s suppliers, with electrical machinery imports reaching USD 528 billion (+48%) and computer imports doubling.

The figures reveal an economy diversifying its export markets while remaining deeply integrated into Asian technology supply chains and global industrial markets. For businesses, opportunities increasingly span a broader network of markets, suppliers and products. China’s trade is becoming more geographically diverse, while its appetite for technology, industrial inputs and access to global markets continues to grow.